Budget Update and My List

September 17th, 2016 at 06:49 am

I just concluded the third week of budget lockdown and tracking my spending. The confluence of certain events occurred, and poor timing, diminished EF, and other craziness made this an inopportune time to "crisis"; however, that said, we are still managing (just barely). We are living the paycheck-to-paycheck existence, have not touched the EF, and are still fairly happy and definitely healthy. I'll say "we're managing in the money department."

That said, I capped the spending at $236 per week. I'm about $5 over my estimates. Here is the breakdowns
8/26-9/1 - $242.33
9/2-9/8 - $229.78
9/9-9/15 - $249.60
Average - $240.57
{That includes all spending outside of utilities and mortgage. We did have some clothing items (most from Goodwill), providing dessert for the team soccer dinner was $20, Netflix was included in that since its not a utility, admission to sons' football and soccer games, ete.}

In full disclosure, my parents gifted me a set of four new tires. I repeatedly turn down offers of help; however, since safety was involved and there was a great offer, I said yes. They were happy to help, and for once I was happy to be helped.

Now my list:
1) I don't exactly remember when I started blogging since this is a third version of one. Maybe eight years?
2) I live in the Midwest, but came to love the West Coast this past summer.
3) I am one of two children and my husband is an only child, so we have a rather largish family.
4) I have met two SA bloggers in person, one follower person, and have several as FB friends.
5) I have been a dance mom (daughters Irish danced for many moons) and am now a soccer mom. I have been a Momager who was very involved in my daughter's modeling career when she was a minor. She now lives out of state pursuing her passion.
6) I hate labels. I struggled with the concept of being the only Catholic in a Protestant Seminary; but I've moved past that, and labels in general.
7) I have a fear of clowns.
8) My husband is a cancer survivor. One of my best friends is fighting cancer. I hate cancer.
9) I clip coupons every Sunday because I think I will use them. I usually never do. So I waste time on things I think will save money.
10) I love The Walking Dead.
11) I love Project Runway and am a huge Tim Gunn groupie.
12) I like to kayak and bike.
13) I love SA because I feel like this is my cyber family where I can get support and advice.
14) I recently started back to work as a teaching assistant to one of my favorite professors at the seminary I attend. I'm expecting my first stipend next month.

I love The Walking the Dead too! I'm the only one in my family who's into it so it's a lonely obsession. Always glad when I meet other people who understand how great it is.
I hate labels too. I have characteristics of myself and my choices that have labels, but they're not all of who I am, and people can make assumptions about what kind of person I am that may be inaccurate.

@ NJDebbie - I'm looking at this time as "character building" - I think that is what my grandpa referred to the Depression as. Not that we are facing poverty or deprivation of needs, but every want is considered as an "economic choice." And I am indeed grateful for the paychecks that we do have!! And in the event there is the meagerish EF (but as least its there!)

@ Laura S. - The teaching position is going really well. I helped to prepare for a seminar that I sat in on, I've started on some new systems, and have some projects to work on at home this week. I am really thankful for the timing and the opportunity to use my brain again!

@ Ceejay74 - "Lonely obsession" indeed. Thankfully, my tribe here congregates around the TV on Sunday nights. The youngest still sits under a blanket on his ipod some of the time. Bonding around Zombies screams full secular participation! One day when money is of no issue I want to buy myself the T-shirt that says "Run Like the Zombies Are Chasing You and Daryl Is Waiting On His Motorcycle." I'm also facing the fact that one of the characters (or two!) won't be there this season. Damn that Negan and Lucille!!

@ FT75 - Nice to know that I am not the only one out there to readily admit the fear of clowns.